Aromatic Meatball and Kale Curry

Returning home from an incredible journey to Bali has been an experience in contrasts. While the memories of vibrant landscapes and tranquil moments still linger, the transition back was undeniably challenging. If you caught snippets of my adventure on Snapchat (tablefortwoblog) and Instagram, you’d know it was quite the trip. Unfortunately, my return was complicated by a rather unwelcome guest: the stomach flu. Falling ill just before a marathon 31-hour flight is arguably one of the most miserable travel scenarios imaginable. Thankfully, the initial bout was a quick 24-hour affair before I departed. However, the ailment returned with a vengeance shortly after I landed back home on Saturday afternoon, leaving me completely drained and utterly miserable. All I’ve managed to do is sleep and attempt to regain some semblance of a normal schedule. The thought of a grocery run feels monumental, as my energy levels are still at rock bottom.

It’s during these times, when comfort and convenience are paramount, that certain recipes truly shine. This is precisely where my beloved Curry Meatballs and Kale Stew comes to the rescue. Crafted during my commitment to a paleo challenge, this dish was designed not only for its robust flavor and nutritional benefits but also for its incredible ease and freezer-friendliness. I made a generous batch of these aromatic curry meatballs, carefully freezing half of them. This foresight proved invaluable upon my return. All it took was pulling them from the freezer and gently defrosting them, transforming a quick and easy dinner into a no-fuss meal prep miracle. This strategic approach to cooking means a wholesome, flavorful meal is always within reach, even on days when your energy reserves are depleted or your schedule is packed.

My adoration for the vibrant flavors of this curry meatball and kale stew knows no bounds. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of warmth, spice, and deep, comforting flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel nourished from the inside out, perfectly embodying what a comforting meal should be. While I can easily envision this stew becoming a staple throughout the cooler Fall and Winter months – yes, I know it’s early to be thinking about that, but these flavors evoke coziness! – it truly transcends seasons. It’s the ideal solution for any weeknight when time is scarce, and the energy to whip up an elaborate meal simply isn’t there. During my paleo challenge, our meals frequently featured robust curry dishes and satisfying meatballs, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The experience solidified my appreciation for these ingredients, inspiring new and exciting combinations.

The star of this dish, hands down, is the curry powder. It’s one of my absolute favorite spices, cherished for its incredible warmth, complex spiciness, and profound depth of flavor. A good quality curry powder can elevate a simple dish to an extraordinary culinary experience. However, not all curry powders are created equal. The key lies in using a truly excellent blend, one that is potent and aromatic, truly making the flavors sing. There’s one specific type I consistently reach for, and I’ll share my secret below in the recipe details because finding the right curry powder is crucial for achieving that authentic, rich taste. It’s the foundation upon which the entire flavor profile of this comforting stew is built, promising a delightful culinary journey with every bite.

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★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Curry Meatballs and Kale Stew

By:

Julie Chiou

This deliciously comforting curry meatball and kale stew is a paleo-friendly dish that you’ll want to make over and over again! It’s rich, aromatic, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a healthy option for meal prepping.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:
2

Equipment

• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Cookie scoop
• Dutch oven or large skillet

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced very finely
• ⅔ cup (75 g) almond flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons curry powder, my absolute favorite for its potency and rich aroma!
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Stew:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3-4 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to your taste preference)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 13.5 ounce (382 ml) can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup (237 ml) chicken stock (or vegetable broth for a variation)
• 2 cups (134 g) loosely packed kale leaves, stems removed and roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs: ground beef, finely diced onion, almond flour, eggs, curry powder, garam masala, ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
2. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a medium cookie dough scoop (it’s handy to have one dedicated for meats), scoop portions of the meat mixture onto the lined sheet. Once all the meat is portioned, gently roll each portion into a smooth ball shape. At this stage, you have the option to freeze half of the meatballs for later use. Simply transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container once firm, and they’ll be ready for a quick meal whenever you need them.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your meatballs. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You can cover them loosely with foil or place them in a microwave for a brief moment to keep them warm while you prepare the stew.
4. In the same skillet (no need to clean it, the leftover bits add flavor!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and garam masala, cooking for another minute until the spices are aromatic. This step truly builds the foundation of the stew’s flavor. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken stock. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 10 minutes. Finally, add the kale leaves and cook just until they wilt down, which typically takes only a few minutes. Season the stew generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Return the cooked meatballs to the simmering stew. Let them warm through for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the rich, aromatic flavors of the stew. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve immediately. This stew pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a strict paleo meal, or with regular rice or quinoa for a heartier option. Enjoy this wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly comforting meal!

Notes

Meatball recipe adapted from: PaleOMG
For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock. It truly makes a difference.
To make this dish vegan, substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative and ensure your chicken stock is vegetable broth.
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

,

Calories:
1220
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
36
g

,

Protein:
63
g

,

Fat:
97
g

,

Fiber:
6
g

,

Sugar:
9
g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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